TRAVEL

Thursday, 9 March 2017

Chan Luu vs Monica Vinader–What’s Your Jewellery Personality?

Yesterday I met up with a friend who loves very modern jewellery. Looking at her ‘very modern’ labradorite ring, it struck me how different we are when it comes to jewellery (as we are with clothes and other accessories). If you’re buying for yourself you’ll be automatically drawn to certain designers, styles and pieces.

When you’re in the mood for a new piece of jewellery what do you think of? Something new and contemporary or something whimsical, idiosyncratic and just that little bit different? Here are two jewellery designers to look at. Which one is you?

Monica Vinader is a British luxury jewellery brand established in 2008. Despite the success of the brand, which you can find in most luxury department stores plus her own stores, she has managed to retain a completely individual look. Having said that she has also been widely copied. She’s particularly well known for her friendship bracelets. As with Chan Luu her prices go from the affordable to medium expensive which puts her firmly in the gift, as well as treat yourself market.Chan Luu is a Vietnamese jewellery designer now living in California, which is where I first discovered her. As with Monica Vinader many of her pieces relate to nature and her brand was launched in 1996. In 2001 she originated the now iconic wrap bracelet and these are still her most popular products although there are many other designs plus scarves and other accessories. She is much loved by celebrities.

Chan Luu is not easy to come by in the UK other than at Net-a-Porter Her jewellery is more unusual and you definitely won’t find it everywhere. Every piece is hand crafted Prices again go from the reasonable to quite expensive.

Both of these are modern jewellery designers, Chan Luu’s jewellery has a much more artisan feel about it. Monica Vinader is more modern and easily recognisable. Collect them both?

Mother’s Day – if your mother loves jewellery and you’re wondering what to buy you can’t go far wrong with jewellery….